The first phase of a major ‘Millennium Makeover’ for University House comes to fruition in May with the opening of ‘Asylum’ – a purpose-built venue, nightclub, main bar and theatre bar.

The first phase will cost over £3 million and is the biggest investment that the Students’ Union has ever undertaken. The Millennium Makeover is a medium- to long-term plan to transform University House into a building fit for the 21st century.

The next phase includes the redevelopment of the existing John McCarthy bar, which will be completed in the summer of 2002; and refurbishment of what is left of the main hall will take place in summer 2003 to form the main bar.

The venue and the revamped John McCarthy bar will have a total capacity of about 1,500 to 1,600. These facilities have been designed to meet the requirements of both live and nightclub events.

As a mark of the Union’s affection for Judith Ann ‘Spam’ Armstrong, a highly involved former student who died in 2001, the bar in Asylum will be called Armstrong’s.

An official opening of Asylum and the remodelled John McCarthy bar will take place in September 2002, when alumni will be welcome to join us in the celebrations and see the new, improved Students’ Union for themselves.

Sam Cunnington, Vice-President of Services in the Students’ Union, says the Millennium Makeover will bring a vibrant new look to the Students’ Union, and move it into the 21st century with an appeal that reaches out to all students. ‘It will boost our appeal to prospective students, who see their time at university as not only a learning experience but a social one too. We would especially like to see alumni returning to Hull to visit us and our development. To arrange nights out to any of our events please contact our entertainment coordinator (j.a.brooke@hull.ac.uk), who will make sure your visit is an enjoyable one.’